Greta Van Fleet, four contemporary rock icons from Michigan, have released their sophomore album this week, titled ‘The Battle at Garden’s Gate‘.
After winning the Best Rock Album Grammy in 2019 with ‘From The Fires‘, Greta Van Fleet have taken their sound and artistry to the next level with this heavily cinematic release. The three Kiszka brothers – Josh (vocals), Jake (lead guitar) and Sam (bass guitar) and Danny Wagner (drums) are still pretending that we are living in the classic rock era of 1973. And, you know what? Count me the fuck in. Clearly influenced by artists like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Taj Mahal and the Delta blues, this band is like a modern time capsule. Really, we are lucky to even be breathing the same oxygen as Greta Van Fleet. Often judged because of their strong similarities to the hard rock bands of the 1970s, it is wrong to deny their natural talents and authenticity. Elvis Presley copied Little Richard, and The Beatles drew musical influences from Chuck Berry. There’s always been a loop when it comes to developing new sounds.
Inspired by spirituality, religion and hope, Greta Van Fleet has created a fictional medieval storyline. Their fan base (The Peaceful Army) forms one of the main characters, making the album particularly special and interactive. Introductory track ‘Heat Above‘ is probably the strongest song on the album, beginning with an organ sound as an awakening feeling begins to radiate. There is clearly a little inspiration drawn from The Doors on this track, creating a church-like euphoria. Josh Kiszka’s strong and unique voice channels Robert Plant, a yodelling Janis Joplin, and Roger Daltrey. Through Kiszka’s creative expression, he has illustrated that his vocal range is way higher than his pay grade.
‘The Battle at Garden’s Gate’ is an album that depicts how people go through difficult times, and ‘Heat Above’ is a beautiful way to start the journey. Via NME, Josh Kiszka shared his thoughts on ‘My Way, Soon‘ and its accompanying music video:
“‘My Way, Soon’ was inspired by what three years of touring did by opening so many doorways. This is my truth, how I feel about all of our travels, but I know it echoes the experiences and changes of perspectives for Jake, Sam, and Danny as well.”
Greta Van Fleet have managed to tie in their own journey into the album, but keeps the story full of extraordinary language, energy and narrative. ‘Age of Machine‘ is nearly 7 minutes long, with lyrics filled with grand metaphors. The lyrics tackle humanity’s dependence on technology and the desire to be freed from it all. Having a choir supporting the vocals on this track gives the whole song a strong feeling of togetherness, and small details like this show the band’s growth both artistically and melodically. Discussing the album’s sound with Rolling Stone, Josh Kiszka explained:
“We wanted to do something on the scale of a film score for this album.”
The band’s impressive instrumentals and performance skills on this album have been showcased perfectly, a record that must sound mad when played live on stage. Jake Kiszka’s guitar is top-notch, and I can hear a lot of Buddy Guy and Jimmy Page here. The guitar solo heard on ‘The Barbarians‘ is so heartfelt, giving me goosebumps immediately. Greta Van Fleet has definitely been on a spiritual journey when recording this album: ‘Trip the Light Fantastic‘ repeats the mantra Ram in its lyrics, a chant used in relation to the Manipura chakra. The mantra’s intention is to channel personal power and energy while promoting peace, harmony and meditation.
‘The Weight of Dreams’, the last track on the album, is almost 9 minutes long and is the needed climax and explosion to conclude this adventurous album. It brings the whole energy of the record together in one place, delivering a sense of hope and softness – like a pat on your shoulder. This impressive album could be compared to the war of a human’s life, from life in ‘Heat Above’ to death in ‘The Weight of Dreams’.
